Regional residents invited to celebrate renovated St. Louis riverfront at ‘Picnic on the Riverfront’ Thursday, June 2

ST. LOUIS — Great Rivers Greenway, the city of St. Louis, CityArchRiver Foundation and other partners invite residents from across the region to join them in celebrating the transformation of the St. Louis riverfront on Thursday, June 2.

The organizations will be hosting a “Picnic on the Riverfront” event from 5 to 8:45 p.m., which will feature St. Louis’ largest-ever community picnic — complete with a 2,016-foot-long table with chairs — to commemorate the opening of the new riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch.

The official ribbon cutting on June 2 will begin at 5 p.m. on the overlook stage along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, with remarks from dignitaries and partners. Afterward, attendees can explore the nearby Mississippi Greenway, enjoy local music and educational activities for kids and purchase dinner from food trucks and other vendors. People are also welcome to bring their own picnic meal. An interfaith blessing will kick off dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by an aerial photo of all the picnickers. The event will end with a brief fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.

“This new front door for our region celebrates the energy, adventure and awe of the mighty Mississippi and our iconic Gateway Arch,” said Susan Trautman, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway, the regional parks and trails district and lead agency on the project. “We invite people to bring their friends, family and neighbors from all parts of the region to celebrate.”

The renovation of the 1.5-mile stretch of riverfront includes the recently rebuilt Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and extension of the Mississippi Greenway from the Biddle Street Trailhead south to Chouteau Avenue, with protected walking and biking paths. The entire riverfront was elevated an average of almost two feet to limit flooding, returning more days of the year back to the community for walking, riding bikes, sightseeing and special events.

While the historic elements were preserved, such as the cobblestones lining the levee; new amenities such as benches, bike racks, lights, power outlets and a street-level stage will make the space more inviting for events and programs. The lineup for this summer and fall includes bike rides, walk/run events, the St. Louis Brewers Guild Heritage Festival, a free concert series with the Sheldon, swap meets and more.

“The historic riverfront is an important part of the story of the St. Louis region — it’s time to reconnect with our roots and make sure the riverfront is part of our future,” said St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay.

The riverfront is part of the larger CityArchRiver project to enhance the Gateway Arch experience for all visitors.

“With two projects finished and three more to go, this historic transformation is taking shape,” said Ryan McClure, director of communications for the CityArchRiver Foundation, the nonprofit helping to coordinate the project and overseeing private investment. “When the majority of the Gateway Arch grounds landscaping finishes this fall and the rest of the project is completed in 2017, visitors will get the exceptional experience of a connected city, Arch and river that is active throughout the year.”

The renovations were funded by many partners, including Great Rivers Greenway; the U.S. Department of Transportation, through Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds; the National Park Service; CityArchRiver Foundation, and Bi-State Development.

The construction is wrapping up now, and is on track to meet or exceed minority participation goals. With 32 percent participation by minority-owned business enterprises and 19 percent participation by women-owned business enterprises — 51 percent of construction contracts were awarded to disadvantaged business enterprises. Workforce participation is also on track to meet the goal of 14.7 percent minority workers.

“The riverfront is a place where everyone is welcome, and it was important that the construction of the project reflect that, too,” said Carey Bundy, project manager for Great Rivers Greenway.

For more information about the event, visit www.CityArchRiver.org/riverfront. Explore St. Louis is contributing the tables and chairs, and Paramount Convention Services will haul the equipment to the riverfront. The ribbon cutting will happen rain or shine, but the picnic event could be rescheduled in the case of inclement weather.

For more information about the greenways throughout the region, visit www.GreatRiversGreenway.org.